For an entire year the Miami Dolphins' brain-trust has openly talked about a "plan" they intended to unleash this offseason, one that would revamp a franchise that has produced four straight losing seasons.

Last week South Florida got a look at phase one of that plan when General Manager Jeff Ireland used the opening week of free agency to sign Pro Bowl receiver Mike Wallace, tight end Dustin Keller and veteran receiver Brandon Gibson.

The Dolphins also rebuilt the linebacker unit, swapping out Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett with Dannell Ellerbe and Phillip Wheeler, two younger players.

The Dolphins, which also re-signed two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Randy Starks, starting receiver Brian Hartline and starting free safety Chris Clemons, have been one of the more active teams in free agency.

Steve Ross, the team's owner, admits he likes the direction of his team, which finished 7-9 last season.